Buckle



June 4, 1963 B. F. RANDRUP 3,091,827

BUCKLE Filed Feb. 2, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG 8 59 55 56 L I I] 58 7' INVENTOR.

k J 57 BEN E RANDRUF T BY 53 g E {Z I: j

nit res t This invention relates to a buckle of the type adapted to tighten and secure a tension element such as a strap or the like around an article to be tied or secured in place.

Heretofore attempts have been made to provide a buckle for securing a strap or the like in which the buckle is provided with means for tightening such strap before securing the ends thereof. See, for example, Johnson Patent No. 1,680,993. However, such buckles, for the most part, have been too complicated and expensive to be practical and have a certain element of danger inherent in their construction because of the liklihood of the user pinching his fingers between relatively movable parts.

Relatively simple devices have been proposd in the past for tightening a strap that has already been tied (see for example Rotherrnel Patent No. 1,475,245), but no simple inexpensive buckle has yet been evolved to my knowledge for both tightening and securing the ends of a strap.

The main object of the present invention is therefore to overcome the objectionable features of prior art devices of like nature and to provide a simple, inexpensive and easily operated buckle providing optimum tightening and holding effect.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description and from the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective of the preferred form of the buckle.

FIG. 2 is a vertical side elevation of the buckle of FIG. 1 showing the manner in which the strap is secured thereto.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the buckle and associated strap in secured position.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation of the structure of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective of a modified form of buckle showing the holding means in open position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective of the buckle of FIG. 5 but with the holding means in secured position.

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a modified form of the buckle.

FIG. 8 is a cross section taken along lines 88 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side elevation of the pivot end portion of the buckle of FIG. 1 showing a modification 5 thereof.

FIG. 10 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along lines 1fi-16 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective of one end of another modified form of buckle.

FIG. 12 is a perspective of the buckle of FIG. 12 in open position.

In detail, and with reference to FIGS. 1-4, the buckle generally designated 1 comprises a generally rectangular section 2 of sheet material such as steel or aluminum. A first slot 3 is formed adjacent to but spaced from one end 4 of sheet 2 so as to form a cross piece 5. Slot 3 is long enough to receive the Width of the strap generally desig- 3,091,827 Patented June 4, 1963 nated 6 therethrough and is wide enough to just receive two thicknesses or runs of the strap (FIG. 8).

Spaced inwardly from slot 3 is a second slot 9 parallel to slot 3 and to end edge 4 of the section 2.. The slots 3, 9 thus define a second cross piece 10 similar to cross piece 5.

As best seen in FIG. 2 one end of the strap 6 is doubled on itself in the customary manner to form a closed loop generally designated 12 which is passed through slots 3, 9 before being stitched or otherwise secured to itself as indic-ated at 13. The buckle is thus permanently secured to strap 6.

The strap 6 is, of course, passed around the article to be tied, indicated schematically by dot dash line 15 in FIGS. 2, 4, and the free end of the strap is passed around end edge 4 of the section 2 then through slot 3 and folded on itself to the overlying position shown in FIG. 2. An open loop, generally designated 16, is thus formed in the free end of the strap.

At this point it may be noted that when the free end of strap 6- is pulled taut without undue eifort by the user to the position of FIG. 2 the section 2 may be swung about end 4 in the direction indicated by the arrow to the position of FIGS. 3, 4 in which position it overlies the open loop 16. This swinging movement results in closed loop 12 being swung toward the open loop 16 thus tightening the strap to a degree directly proportional to the distance that cross piece 10' is spaced from end 4. Obviously such distance may be varied depending on the dimensions of the article to be tied and the nature of the material used for the strap. It will be noted in this con nection that the leverage which tightens the strap also serves to clamp the inner run 19 of open loop 16 between the buckle and the "article 15, thus obviating slippage.

Forthe purpose 'of preventing the strap 6 from loosening after it has been tightened a securing means is provided at the end of the buckle 1 opposite the pivot end 4. This means comprises a flange 21 positioned in spaced parallel relationship to the section 2 and integrally connected to the latter by a narrow web 22 (FIG. 1). The web 22 extends the length of section 2 and flange 21 preferably extends along only a portion of the web 22 and may be of a generally triangular shape as indicated in FIG. 1 with the narrow portion adjacent the end of section 2 opposite the pivot end 4. An additional lip 23 integral with and at right angles to flange 21 is preferably provided at said narrow portion of flange 21. The width of 'lip 23 is preferably such that the space 24 remaining between said lip and section 2 is sufliciently narrow to permit only one thickness of strap to pass therethrough. By this structure when the two thicknesses of the open loop 16 are received between section 2. and flange 21 accidental movement of outer run 20 of open loop 16 is prevented. The web 22 that connects section 2 with flange 21 of course functions to prevent the runs of the strap 16 that are received within buckle 1 from being removed therefrom.

As an additional restraint against the strap 6 being removed from buckle 1 a flange 26 is provided adjacent the pivot end 4 of the section 2 and extending parallel to web 22 as best seen in FIG. 1. Web 22. and flange 26 thus define a channel with section 2 along which the runs of the strap extend. The opening in the buckle between 3 flange 2 6 and flange 21 permits insertion therethrough of the loop 16.

In operation, after the closed loop 12 and the open loop 16 have been connected to the buckle as shown in FIG. 2 the buckle is swung downwardly against the article 15 in the direction indicated by the arrow. The upper and lower runs 19, 29 are then successively inserted through space 24 into the buckle so that the entire loop 16 is received within the buckle as shown in FIGS. 3, 4. In this position there is no likelihood of the strapbeing accidentally removed from the buckle.

A modified form of buckle 29 is shown in FIG. wherein a section 3!} similar to section 2 of FIG. 1 is provided. However, in this case, the section 30 is channelshaped throughout its length being provided with a pair of opposed flanges 3-1, 32. A pair of parallel slots 33, 34 adjacent pivot end '35 are provided similar to slots 3, 9 of FIG. 1.

The operation of the buckle 29 of FIG. 5 is the same as buckle 1 except that a different means is provided for securing the strap 6 in tightened position. In this case a pair of retainers generally designated 37, 38 are pro vided swingably connected to the section 36* as at 39', 40 respectively. Retainers 37, 38 are identical except they are formed to opposite hands and comprise a pair of opposed sides 41, 42 connected by a web 43 to form a general channel shape. When swung from the open position of FIG. 5 to the closed position of FIG. 6 the retainers '37, 38 hold the open loop of the strap against accidental removal from the buckle.

The end of side 42 is provided with a flange 44 which is adapted to engage the end 45 of the section 39 when the retainer is in the closed position of FIG. 6. End 45 is recessed from the actual end of the buckle but as best seen in FIG. 6 suflicient clearance exists between the sides 41, 42 to accommodate flanges 3-1, 32 and still provide suflioient clearance to permit flanges 44 to be swung over the ends of flanges 31, 32 of the buckle.

When the strap 6 is secured within the buckle of FIG. 6 it will be noted that the tendency for the end of the buckle adjacent retainers 37, 38 to swing upwardly will be resisted by the open loop of the strap which has the efiect of urging the flanges 41 downwardly thus holding the retainers 37, 38 in the buckle.

' Another modified form of the invention is shown in FIGS. 7, 8 wherein the buckle 5% is made from heavy wire or rod to form a pair of opposite sides 51, 52 and a cross piece 53 defining the pivot end of the buckle. The wire defining sides 51, 52 is bent at right angles at the end opposite cross piece 53 to provide a pair of retainers 55, 56 bent at their ends to form hook portions 57, 58 respectively. Intermediate the opposite ends of buckle 50 is a bar 59 apertured at its opposite ends to slidably receive therethrough the sides 51, 52.

In the structure of FIGS. 7, 8 the bar 59 and the cross piece 53 correspond respectively to the cross pieces and 5 of FIG. 1 and the strap is secured thereto in an analogous manner. However, with the structure of FIGS. 7, 8 the bar 59 may be moved away from the cross piece 53 as the open loop 16 (FIG. 2) is attached. When the buckle of FIG. 7 is swung downwardly against the article to be secured bar 59 slides toward open loop 16 and clamps the latter between the closed loop 12 and the article. Although a lesser amount of leverage may be obtained by this structure it has the advantage of locking the strap very securely because of the clamping action above described.

To secure the open loop to the buckle of FIGS. 7, 8 it is merely necessary to urge the sides 51, 52 together which has the eflectof opening up the space between hook portions 57, 5 8 so that the runs 19, 20 (FIG. 2) of the open loop 16 maybe received therebetween. The resiliency of the wire returnssaid hooks to the position of FIG. 7 for retaining the open loop therebetween.

Ihe structure of FIGS. 1, 2 may be modified as seen 4 in FIGS. 9, 10 by providing a generally rectangular sleeve generally designated 60 surrounding the cross piece 5 of section 2. Sufficient clearance is left between said sleeve and the cross piece 5 so that said sleeve resists the stress imparted to the buckle by the open loop 16 as the latter is tightened. By this structure less resistance is offered to swinging the buckle laterally to permit the open loop to be received between flange 21 and section 2.

Another form of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. ll, 12 wherein the form of the buckle is somewhat similar to that of FIG. 1 except that the lip 23 is omitted. In this case, the section 62 corresponding to section 2 of FIG. 1 and fiange 63 corresponds to flange 21. It will be noted that no l-ip is provided on flange 6-3.

Section 62 is centrally apertured at 66 to receive therethrough a tongue portion 67 of a locking element generally designated 68. Said tongue portion 67 is provided with an enlarged head 69 to prevent withdrawal of the same through the aperture 66 in the position shown.

The end of locking element 68 opposite head 69 is provided with a transversely extending yoke portion 70 which is formed at one end to a generally U-shape 71 and at the other end with a lip 72. a

From FIGS. 11, 12 it will be apparent that the yoke may be swung downwardly and inwardly from the position of FIG. 12 in which it is swung to a position slightly ofiset to the right from the position of FIG. 11 to the position of FIG. 11 after the strap has been received in the buckle in a position corresponding to that shown in H6. 4. A slight amount of resilient deformation of lip 72 may be required to permit it to be swung over the section 62.

The advantage of the structure of FIGS. 11, 12 is that it is much easier to insert the strap into the buckle when the lip 23 (FIG. 1) is not present. Thus, if the strap is of a material that does not readily slide, the structure of FIGS. 1'1, 12 may be used. However, if no problem exists in inserting the strap between lip 23 and section 2 (FIG. 1) the earlier disclosed structure may be employed.

The above specific description of the invention is not to be taken as restrictive thereof as it is obvious that numerous variations in design may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. In combination: an elongated strap adapted to surround an article, a buckle for tightening said strap on said article, comprising an elongated planar plate like generally rectangular member provided with a pair of parallel transversely extending openings spaced from one end of said member and defining a pair of parallel cross pieces, one end of said strap being formed with a closed loop passing through each of said openings and around the inner of said cross pieces, the opposite end of said strap being passed around said one end of said member and the outer of said cross pieces and through the opening nearest said one end of said member to provide an open loop having a free end, the end of said member opposite said one end being formed to provide a partially closed portion adapted to receive therein both thicknesses of said open loop when said member is in face to face engagement with said free end, said portion comprising a flange integral with said member and in spaced parallel relation thereto to provide a laterally outwardly directed opening adapted to receive said open loop therein, a locking element carried by said buckle and swingable about an axis parallel to said member from a position covering said opening to a position uncovering said opening.

' '2. In combination: an elongated strap adapted to surround an article, a buckle for tightening said strap on said article, comprising an elongated planar plate like generally rectangular member provided with a pair of parallel transversely extending openings spaced from one end of said member and defining a pair of parallel cross pieces, one end of said strap being formed with a closed loop passing through each of said openings and around the inner of said cross pieces, the opposite end of said strap being passed around said one end of said member and the outer of said cross pieces and through the opening nearest said one end of said member to provide an open loop having a free end, the end of said member opposite said one end being formed to provide a partially closed portion adapted to receive therein both thicknesses of said open loop when said member is in face to face engagement with said free end, said portion comprising a flange integral with said member and in spaced parallel relation thereto to provide a laterally outwardly directed opening adapted to receive said open loop therein, a locking element carried by said buckle and swingahle in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane of said member from a position covering said opening to a position uncovering said opening, and means for retaining said element against movement away from said openmg.

References Qited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 886,575 Baily May 5, 1908 10 2,563,809 Ash Aug. 14, 1951 2,663,923 Mattingly Dec. :29, 1953 2,896,296 Huber July 28, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 505,530 Great Britain 1939 

1. IN COMBINATION: AN ELONGATED STRAP ADAPTED TO SURROUND AN ARTICLE, A BUCKLE FOR TIGHTENING SAID STRAP ON SAID ARTICLE, COMPRISING AN ELONGATED PLANAR PLATE LIKE GENERALLY RECTANGULAR MEMBER PROVIDED WITH A PAIR OF PARALLEL TRANSVERSELY EXTENDING OPENINGS SPACED FROM ONE END OF SAID MEMBER AND DEFINING A PAIR OF PARALLEL CROSS PIECES, ONE END OF SAID STRAP BEING FROMED WITH A CLOSED LOOP PASSING THROUGH EACH OF SAID OPENINGS AND AROUND THE INNER OF SAID CROSS PIECES, THE OPPOSITE END OF SAID STRAP BEING PASSED AROUND SAID ONE END OF SAID MEMBER AND THE OUTER OF SAID CROSS PIECES AND THROUGH THE OPENING NEAREST SAID ONE END OF SAID MEMBER TO PROVIDE AN OPEN LOOP HAVING A FREE END, THE END OF SAID MEMBER OPPOSITE SAID ONE END BEING FORMED TO PROVIDE A PARTIALLY CLOSED PORTION ADAPTED TO RECEIVE THEREIN BOTH THICKNESSES OF SAID OPEN LOOP WHEN SAID MEMBER IS IN FACE TO FACE ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID FREE END, SAID PORTION COMPRISING A FLANGE INTEGRAL WITH SAID MEMBER AND IN SPACED PARALLEL RELATION THERETO TO PROVIDE A LATERALLY OUTWARDLY DIRECTED OPENING ADAPTED TO RECEIVE SAID OPEN LOOP THEREIN, A LOCKING ELEMENT CARRIED BY SAID BUCKLE AND SWINGABLE ABOUT AN AXIS PARALLEL TO SAID MEMBER FROM A POSITION COVERING SAID OPENING TO A POSITION UNCOVERING SAID OPENING. 